Daniel Dubois Poised for Rematch with Oleksandr Usyk After Stunning Win Over Joshua

Daniel Dubois, the IBF heavyweight champion, is now firmly positioned as a key player in boxing’s most glamorous division. His recent demolition of Anthony Joshua in five rounds has reignited talk of a rematch with the reigning WBO, WBA, and WBC champion, Oleksandr Usyk. Dubois, who fought Usyk in 2023, losing via a ninth-round stoppage, is eyeing a second shot at the Ukrainian master, this time with renewed confidence and a more mature approach.

Promoter Frank Warren believes Dubois has developed both physically and mentally since their first encounter and is ready to challenge Usyk once again. “The fight I would like to see him in now is Usyk again,” Warren said to BBC 5 Live. “He is a different Daniel Dubois now, more mature physically and mentally. He has all the tools to take this division over.”

Dubois’ Journey to Maturity

The version of Daniel Dubois that faced Usyk in 2023 was raw, powerful, but perhaps lacking the experience needed to dismantle such a highly technical boxer. That fight came with its share of controversy, particularly in the fifth round, when Dubois sent Usyk to the canvas with a shot that was controversially ruled a low blow. Usyk was given nearly four minutes to recover, and from that moment, the Brit’s composure seemed to falter.

Warren reflected on that moment, acknowledging Dubois’ inexperience at the time. “Dubois lost his composure [after the incident],” Warren admitted. “I think that was down to the fact he was younger and probably did not have the ring savviness to deal with it.”

Since then, Dubois has matured both in the ring and in his approach to the sport. His recent performance against Joshua showcased a more disciplined and ruthless fighter. Dubois overwhelmed Joshua with precise aggression, securing a TKO in the fifth round and leaving no doubt about his future prospects. It was a victory that signalled Dubois’ readiness to face Usyk once more.

The Path to a Rematch

Dubois’ rise to IBF champion came after Usyk vacated the belt in June 2023, following his historic victory over Tyson Fury, which made him the first undisputed heavyweight champion in 25 years. With Usyk now preparing for a highly anticipated rematch with Fury in December, Dubois is focused on what comes next. Warren, ever the strategist, believes now is the perfect time to line up a rematch between Dubois and Usyk.

“He will go from strength to strength. He will be here for a while, he is a young man and has all the tools to take this division over,” Warren emphasised. Dubois, at just 27 years old, still has time on his side and the potential to dominate the heavyweight landscape for years to come.

Usyk, who was ringside at Wembley for Dubois’ win over Joshua, will certainly have taken notice of the transformation in the young Brit. While Usyk is currently focused on his rematch with Fury, the prospect of facing a more seasoned Dubois in the future adds another layer of intrigue to the heavyweight division.

What Lies Ahead for Dubois?

Although there is a clause for a potential rematch with Joshua, Warren is keen to look beyond that, focusing on the bigger picture. “There is a clause [for a rematch with Joshua] in his contract but not in ours. But that’s not to say we wouldn’t do it. It’s something we’ll sit down and discuss,” Warren noted.

For Dubois, the immediate future holds the potential for career-defining bouts. Whether it’s a rematch with Usyk or another encounter with Joshua, Dubois has positioned himself as a legitimate threat to the division’s established order. His evolution from a “shrinking violet” to the “king slayer” who toppled Joshua speaks volumes about his growth as a fighter.

Joshua, now reflecting on his career after another setback, remains philosophical. “We came up short but we have to look at the positives, that has to be the mindset,” he said. “What a rollercoaster journey – but it is far from over. I’ve got a lot more to bring to the game.”